During Hunger Action Month, community organizations in Allen, Hardin, and Marion counties are connecting with The Ohio State University (OSU) and local OSU Extension teams for food kindness.
Food Packing Service Project
To contribute to healthier, hunger-free Ohio communities, 800 students, staff, faculty, alumni, and other volunteers came together to pack 200,000 meals at the French Field House on the OSU Columbus campus on Tuesday evening, September 26.
Food Distribution Service Project
On Thursday, September 28, 2023, community organizations in Allen, Hardin, and Marion counties came together to celebrate kindness in the local food community as OSU delivered 200,000 shelf-stable meals. The food was delivered at Ohio State regional campuses in Marion and Lima, as well as the Hardin County Fairgrounds, via the official Ohio State Football equipment truck owned by Ken Blair. As part of these local communities, OSU Extension organized the distribution of the assembled meals to local non-profit organizations in each county. Addressing food security throughout the year takes an entire community. Champions spreading kindness in their local food community were recognized at each location.
This event can prompt conversations about food security with friends, families, colleagues, and neighbors. The program is a collaboration among the OSU Buckeye community, including Ohio State Student Life, Athletics, the Chief Wellness Officer, the Alumni Association, the College of Food Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and local OSU Extension teams, including SNAP-Ed community nutrition. Grant funding provided by Coca-Cola and the 9-11 Day Foundation.
Here is some of the media coverage capturing the packing and distribution events.
Ohio State University Extension Facebook Post
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Facebook Post
Ohio State Shares Food Kindness and Recognizes Food Champions
Ohio State Distributes Food to Allen County Organizations to Help Families in Need
Ohio State Students Pack Meals for Those in Need (NBC4)
OSU BeKind Food Distribution Project at Hardin County Fairgrounds Thursday Morning (WKTV)
Ohio State Donates 200,000 Meals Through Annual Food Service Packing Project (Lantern)